CEO and chairman for AMD Hector Ruiz said "we are pleased to pass through the HSR waiting period and receive clearance from the Canadian Competition Bureau and the German Federal Cartel Office. We look forward to the October 13th ATI shareholder vote and additional regulatory approvals, and to merging the companies to drive growth, innovation and choice for our customers, partners and the industry."

Because of the ruling under the Canadian Competition Act, conditions that must be satisfied in order for the merger to be complete have now been satisfied under both US law and German law. President and CEO of ATI Dave Orton said "our integration planning is underway and the more closely we get to know the team at AMD, the more excited we are about the opportunities and potential for the combined organization and our customers once the deal is complete."

Ah TomZ, atleast someone here with some credibility. Alright then back to my original question, since they are based in the US, why the heck don't they need SEC approval for the merger, last time I checked thats a requirement for all US companies.

They dont need approval because its not a merger. AMD is buying ATI. The SEC don't care if a company here buys a overseas company. They would care if ATI was a US company or if forming this company would create a monopoly. Since niether one is the case they need no approval.

Not necessarily. For example, suppose Wal-Mart were to acquire another company. Do you think they would have to file for government approval for the transactions in all the countries, states, etc. where they do business?